5 Co-teaching Formats

While different teachers implement co-teaching somewhat differently to meet the needs of their integrated instructional styles, it is generally agreed that there are five formats that cover the majority of co-teaching situations. More recently, some experts refer to 6 formats based on the division of the "One Teach/One Support" model into two specific models: "One Teach/ One Observe" and "One Teach/One Assist". (See the Power of Two co-teaching training materials by Dr. Marilyn Friend.)

For instruction to be considered a co-teaching format, both partners must participate fully in all aspects of instruction. Full participation does not mean doing the same thing all the time: it does mean that each teacher's role is coordinated to contribute to the effectiveness of the lesson. Co-teaching also does not mean that one teacher is always the primary teacher and one is always in a supporting role. Co-teachers shift roles and focus to match the lesson and target student needs.

Review the implementation tips and videos given below to gain an understanding of each co-teaching format. Also, observe the 'What do you notice?' videos to see if you can describe the co-teaching formats. Check your responses with those provided. The five common co-teaching formats are